Chongqing PCG Explores the Philippine National Hero’s Humanity during Rizal Day
(Top left) Consul General Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo opens the program on the commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s martyrdom by encouraging Consulate personnel to find Rizal within themselves in advancing the interest of the Filipino people. (Top right) Consul General Mayo recognizes the dedication of Consulate staff and, on behalf of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, awards loyalty pins and certificates to (from left) local hires, Mr. Wang Tian and Ms. Wang Wanyi for their 10 years of dedicated service to the Consulate, and to Ms. Dorotea B. Apostol and Mr. Ron Sylvester B. Basbano for their 30 and 10 years of service in the Department, respectively. (Bottom) Consulate personnel actively participated in the solemn commemoration of Rizal Day at the Consulate, including an online lecture by Ambeth Ocampo and a quiz on Rizal. Photo: CQPCG 30 December 2021 – To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the martyrdom and heroism of national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing held a solemn program within its premises today.
Attended by Consulate personnel, Rizal Day in Chongqing kicked off with a flag ceremony followed by opening remarks from Consul General Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo. She also read the message for the occasion from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who enjoined all Filipinos to also honor the modern-day heroes at the frontlines as the nation celebrates the legacy of Rizal.
For her part, Consul General Mayo encouraged Consulate personnel to find Rizal within themselves in both official and personal contexts. She commended foreign service personnel for their heroism as the country’s frontline workers abroad. She took the occasion to present, on behalf of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs loyalty pins to Ms. Dorotea B. Apostol (30 years in the service ) and Mr. Ron Sylvester B. Basbano (10 years in service), as well as the Consulates’ local hires, Mr. Wang Tian (Tim Wong) and Ms. Wang Wanyi (Vivian Wang) who have been serving the Consulate for ten (10) years.
The highlight of the Consulate’s Rizal Day was the publicly available online lecture by Professor Ambeth Ocampo entitled “Rizal Without the Overcoat.” The lecture, posted on Ateneo’s YouTube channel, depicted Rizal not just as a national hero worth emulating but more so as a completely relatable human being.
The Consulate capped the commemoration with a short quiz on Rizal. END